Breathe slowly. Start in a comfortable position. Don't put all your weight on one arm or leg.
I lay under the bright lights of the prop stage. A grey blanket covered my waist and my arm rested over my face.
The gentle scratch of pencil on paper filled the room and I allowed myself to relax.
It was peaceful. It was safe. I was exposed and vulnerable, but surrounded by the miscellaneous props, old easels, and artists absorbed in their craft, it felt comfortable...
Well, as comfortable as staying completely still for a couple hours can be...
---
The sound of a door closing pulled me from the quietness of my own head.
I opened my eyes to see Mr. Hill, the instructor, introducing himself to someone. The person was tall, with hair that fell over his eyes, hiding his face. He took a seat tentatively, turned his head to survey the room.
Then his eyes fell on me. Dark and calm.
I blinked at the sudden eye contact and, embarrassed, looked away.
When I looked back, he was gently sketching on a piece of paper.
---
"Alright, that's time. Get your last lines in."
I waited patiently for the signal from Mr. Hill and after a curt nod, finally sat up and stretched. It felt amazing.
Mr. Hill walked over with a robe and handed it to me. I put it on slowly, tying the rope around my waist.
"Owen! Good work today!" A couple of students came up to thank me.
I nodded politely, shaking outstretched hands. There was a little small talk as people began to file out.
Finally the room was empty.
I began to walk towards the closet to change, when Mr. Hill exclaimed, "Ah. Jacob forgot his drawings."
Out of curiosity I peered over his shoulder.
The drawing was hesitant and light, but it carried such a heavy realism, I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Extra care was put into the hands and the eyes. Every nail carefully shaded, every eyelash sweeping and dark.
I turned away, my heart racing, and hurried to the closet.
YOU ARE READING
He's a Keeper
RomantikAfter being chased out of his house by his mother at the age of 17, Owen was adopted by a friendly bartender, Mr. Martin Black. He works in the evening as a waiter at a gay bar and in the daylight, models at a nearby art college. One day, a strange...